Family Information and FOPHS News Friday 19th April 2024

You will find information on school meals here.

Below is the link to the menus: this week was week 1.

Social Coffee morning: Friday 3^rd May

KS4 accreditation pathway coffee afternoon: Thursday 9^th May

FoPHS meeting: Thursday 16^th May (am)

ELTBA coffee afternoon: Thursday 16^th May

Post 16 coffee afternoon: Wednesday 22^nd May

Engagement pathway coffee afternoon: Thursday 23^rd May

See below for full details.

It is here.

This week’s blog has a few resources for parents to talk to their children. One resource is the NSPCC, in conjunction with Lego Build & Talk activities. The six ‘adventures’ help parents and caregivers talk with their children about key online safety topics through the joy of LEGO play. You will find it, and previous blogs below.

To assess what Disability Living Allowance award your child will get, the DWP uses specific definitions for certain terms in the form.

Knowing what these terms mean can help you to fill out the DLA form more accurately — and may increase your chances of getting the right award level for your child.

To help, we’ve created this little dictionary below explaining some key terms — but you’ll find more examples and advice in our DLA Guide.

The information in the image below is also available to read as standard text on page 9 of our guide.

For definitions of terms used in the PIP form, take a look at our PIP Guide

They are constantly updating it with news, resources, webinars and support groups etc.  They also have a fantastic “Book Recommendations” page. These books cover many of the topics that they regularly get asked about.

They have recently added new webinars to their list, including Understanding Autism.  They have a number of FREE webinars available to book covering a wide range of topics – Toileting, Food, Managing Meltdowns, Social Stories, Autism and Mental Health, Sensory Issues, Siblings etc.

Check out their Webinar page for up to date information.

See poster for face to face workshops and information on how to book. Visit their website below.

“TIME TO TALK is our face-to-face monthly post diagnostic support group at The Toby Henderson Trust in Bedlington.  This group is for Northumberland parents/carers only of children and young people of ALL ages.  The group is free to attend and is for parents & carers who live in Northumberland and their child has a diagnosis of Autism. It is a chance to come along and meet and chat with other families as well as our experienced family support team.”

Check out the Autism Hub events page.

Sometimes it covers specific Local Authorities who fund them, others are open to anyone who can access. If you are looking for something specific in your area search your Local Offer; putting your Local Authority + SEND Local Offer into the search bar. If there is something specific, and you can’t find it, please contact me and if I know of something I will signpost you. I rely on staff, parents/carers to support me so if you know of anything please let me know.

‘Forest Friends’

A brand new sensory programme for young people with additional needs living in Sunderland at The Old Rectory.

This programme will run alongside the development of our show Grubbin’s Wood, and so will explore themes around nature, growth, and connection. Young people will have lots of opportunities to explore through sensory play and connect through drama and games.

This programme is suitable for children aged 6-12 years!

For more information on how to book please follow the link below.

Email info@southshieldsurf.co.uk to secure your place or enquire about a taster session!

From our last course the post course review questionnaire revealed:

100% of respondents reported an increase in confidence from participants during the surf sessions and that this continued beyond the surf sessions.

100% reported the participants having a positive experience and enjoying the sessions.

60% reported seeing an improvement in communication with peers during the sessions in the participants.

40% reported that the participants felt calmer while taking part in the sessions.

20% reporting that their kids gained resilience from their surf sessions.

Please see the poster for details. If your child attends, it would be fantastic to have some reviews; they help Smile through Sport and encourage other families too.

Check the link below for information.

Click the link below for more information. There is free carer access, discounted tickets and Max card are accepted. I’m not too sure how accessible it is, although they have accessible toilets they probably aren’t of the “changing place” type. I’d suggest contacting them if it is of interest.

Mini Golf Prices

Under 16s / OAPs – £4.00

Adults – £5.00

Family Ticket – £15.00

Opening Times

Monday to Friday 9am – 9pm*.
Saturday & Sunday 9am – 7pm*
*Last game is 1 hour prior to closing.

Please call 0191 236 4480 for further information.

We’ve been asked to share information on some events coming up in Co Durham. See poster for the information.

I trust your children/young people enjoyed their Easter gifts. As I delivered, I noted how many students loved the bubble wands. Some took them for siblings, and I had good fun demonstrating with one or two! Thanks to Chris Fewster, parent to 2 students who organised these. The Easter Eggs/sensory toys were funded by FoPHS.

A donation is imminent. I had a call on Tuesday from the secretary of a local Flower Club who has links with a former PHS employee. They have raised £1000 throughout the year with raffles and have chosen FoPHS to be the recipient of this year’s donation. This will make a difference to our fundraising efforts, and I am humbled that we have this influence.

As part of our ongoing commitment to support the development of the Outdoor Learning Area, we ordered more woodchip and rubber matting. This is to make the area more accessible to all students as we await a survey which has been requested from Groundworks. We are actively seeking volunteer parents, carers, family members to come and help in this area. I have heard from a couple of people. If this is your calling and you have some time, please get in touch with me.

Building on the success of last year’s fundraiser for FoPHS, we are offering this lovely event again.  Photographs will be taken and edited by one of our talented teachers, Beth Edwards.

Based on feedback from last year, we are now streamlining the process, and will be taking the photos on set days, so children can look their very best! A letter has been sent/emailed home today with more information. Please follow the link on the letter to sign your child up.  The deadline is 26^th April, and we will not be able to accept responses after that.

Dates for photographs are as follows and, as some of you are still unsure which pathway your child is in, I’ve included class teacher initials:

29^th April – ELTBA (RC, HR/SH, LL/KH, HB/HT, RM, TW)

13^th May – Engagement (HW, BE/TS, HF, KS, AH, Che/ED)

20^th May – Accreditation (RR, MM, Cha, KR, JH, JF/KG, AJ, OW/TJ, CT, LD, LA, LWC)

Any queries, please contact me on e.robinson@percyhedley.org.uk

We were asked about printed options, but these would be costly. There are places you can get them printed very cheaply, linked below.

There is also a copy of the letter, where you will find a link to the form you need to complete. If you need help with the form, please call me and I will do it on your behalf.

It is a 3 bed 9 1 double, 2 twin room) respite caravan which has level access via decking. Please see the poster below. Each number costs £3; you can pay by cash, cheque (payable to Percy Hedley Foundation) or QR code. If you use the latter which is easy, remember to reset the “tip” to zero at the checkout. We hope to draw this on either 16^th May or 20^th June at a FoPHS meeting. School holiday dates are still available. Unfortunately, it is not possible to take your 4-legged friends with you. You will find more photos on the link below, scroll to the end.

For £12 you will get 2 numbers for the remaining 6 draws to be done in July. Please find below the form. You may pay by cash, cheque (payable to Percy Hedley Foundation) or QR code. As above, remember to rest the “tip” to zero at the checkout.

It is not for external professionals who may be working with families. To join, you need to answer the question stating your link with school.

Please note: this group is for sharing news and updates about school life and is not intended to discuss any issues around individual students, and as such all comments are moderated. If you have a particular issue or concern, please contact school directly on 0191 216 1811.